Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has suggested that Lionel Messi could “play until he is 50” despite the forward’s plans to retire from international duty before the next World Cup.
The PSG superstar has a chance to add the World Cup to his already-bloated trophy cabinet with the Albiceleste set to clash with France on Sunday. Prior to the game, Messi himself has already admitted that his appearance at the Lusail Stadium will be his final at the tournamen t with his career now in its twilight.
Asked by reporters whether the upcoming final will be his last appearance for Argentina at a World Cup. He clarified: “Yes, surely yes. There are many years for the next one [2026 World Cup] and I don't think it will give me. And ending like this is the best.”
However, despite the clock ticking on the 35-year-olds international career, compatriot Martinez has claimed that the former Barcelona star could yet play on for another 15 years.
Speaking with FootballersLives.tv, he said: “For me he [Messi] can play until he is 50. He looks really sharp and he looks so good.
“He makes things look easy – it’s the hardest thing to do. To understand how well he hits the ball is something. He puts the ball there and looks at you and hits the ball top corner, if he misses he hits the post, or crossbar. That left foot. He is small, but so strong.”
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Another of Messi’s international colleagues has also attempted to talk Messi out of hanging his boots up. Spurs defender Cristian Romero has only been part of the Argentina set-up since last year but has already developed a glowing impression of Messi.
He said: “I hope this is not his last World Cup. This issue always comes up and we say we are going to ask him not to step down. It makes us very happy to have him as a partner and to have him play with us.”
Should Qatar be his final appearance at the World Cup, Messi is certainly going out with a bang. Heading into the final against France, he is the front-runner for the golden boot and leads teammate Kylian Mbappe courtesy of his superior assist record in the tournament.
His strike in the semi-final victory over Croatia also saw the 35-year-old overtake iconic forward Gabriel Batistuta in goals scored for Argentina at a World Cup. However, Messi is unsure over whether his stint is Qatar is his best showing at a major tournament.
He said: "I don't know if it's my best World Cup, I've been enjoying this very much for a while, since we arrived. We had to start losing [against Saudi Arabia], we know what we are and what this group can give.
"Argentina is once again in a World Cup final and we have to enjoy it, we're going to give our best in the final, give up everything to try to win it.”
